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| Peru. |
Peru Facts & Information
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| Location
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Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean,
between Chile and Ecuador |
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| Climate
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Varies from tropical in east to dry desert
in west; temperate to frigid in Andes |
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| Terrain
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Western coastal plain (costa), high and rugged
Andes in center (sierra), eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin
(selva) |
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| Population
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28,409,897 |
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| Nationality
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Peruvian |
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| Ethnic groups
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Amerindian 45%, mestizo (mixed Amerindian
and white) 37%, white 15%, black, Japanese, Chinese, and other
3% |
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| Religions
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Roman Catholic 90% |
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| Languages
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Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara |
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| Government Type
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Constitutional republic |
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| Capital
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Peru |
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| Currency
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nuevo sol |
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| Description of Flag
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The flag of Peru has three equal, vertical bands of red,
white, and red with the coat of arms centered in the white band;
the coat of arms features a shield bearing a vicuna, cinchona
tree (the source of quinine), and a yellow cornucopia spilling
out gold coins, all framed by a green wreath in the center of
the flag. |
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| Peru Flag
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More Information
 www.travel.state.gov
www.cia.gov
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Peruvian Culture
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The culture in Peru is very
pronounced in every manner. The women still dress in very
traditional outfits consisting of large skits, hats tipped
to the side of their head, and very colorful shawls draped
around their bodies for carrying food and babies. They also
wear their hair in long braids. Young female children will
also be seen in dressed in a similar fashion.
The traditional music of the highlands is heard
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throughout the cities. This music is folk, with flutes and other
instruments played.
 The
main religion is Roman Catholic. The main language is Spanish, however
70 other languages are spoke throughout the country.
Peru is famous for its varied and imagin
ative gastronomy. The primary
ingredients found in nearly every Peruvian dish are rice, potatoes,
chicken, pork, lamb, and fish. Two-hundred varieties of potatoes
exist in this region and therefore, they are found in many dishes.
Papa la Huancaina is such a dish-- potatoes served with a special
spicy sauce, olives, lettuce, and egg. Seafood is very prevalent
in cities along the coast, such as Lima. One seafood dish, ceviche,
one of the most popular in Peruvian culture, is a must try for any
tourist. In the highlands you can try roast guinea pig, or in the
Amazon sample rice dishes baked in palm leaves.
Artwork and architecture has a Spanish influence of the renaissance
time or baroque period. However, Indians soon began mixing their
technique with the Spanish to create a style known as Mestizo, prevalent
in the south. Artists also grew away from European influence and
painted in more of a fairytale fashion.
More Information:
www.state.gov
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Peru Shopping
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Peru is a shopping mecca for
crafts and artwork and happens to be one of the top destinations
for shopping in all of Latin America. Small stores align the
streets with handmade alpaca clothes and other textiles, woven
items, and pottery. Outdoor markets are also popular, as women
set out their items and barter for your money. Traditional Peruvian
items are very colorful and quite dazzling—something you
do not see in your American malls. In cities such as Lima |
and Arequipa, you can also find textiles and ceramics from ancient
civilizations at a very reasonable price (the dollar goes a long way
in Latin America).
Lima and Cuzco have the best shopping for touristy souvenirs. Lima
also has special areas just for shopping, cars cannot drive down
the street, leaving more shoppers to peruse and window-shop at their
leisure.
In the northe
rn Amazon, you will find items such as hand-painted
textiles and pottery. You will also find items from the jungle such
as alligator skins and turtle shells, but be warned that purchasing
is illegal despite how good the price you receive.
Although many shops abound, the best shopping is found on the street. You can easily bargain for prices most of them come with discount vouchersâit is even expected.
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Peru Restaurants
We’ve provided listings for some of the top
restaurants in Peru including Cusco, Lima, Miraflores,
Puno, Arequipa, and more. You’ll find lavish gourmet restaurants,
affordable restaurants serving up good food, and everything in between.
Sample traditional Peruvian cuisine or other specialty cuisines
that are sure to make your taste buds happy.
Read reviews entered by other patrons and be sure to return to
our site to submit your own restaurant review.
|
Peru Shopping
|
|
Peru is a shopping mecca for
crafts and artwork and happens to be one of the top destinations
for shopping in all of Latin America. Small stores align the
streets with handmade alpaca clothes and other textiles, woven
items, and pottery. Outdoor markets are also popular, as women
set out their items and barter for your money. Traditional Peruvian
items are very colorful and quite dazzling—something you
do not see in your American malls. In cities such as Lima |
and Arequipa, you can also find textiles and ceramics from ancient
civilizations at a very reasonable price (the dollar goes a long way
in Latin America).
Lima and Cuzco have the best shopping for touristy souvenirs. Lima
also has special areas just for shopping, cars cannot drive down
the street, leaving more shoppers to peruse and window-shop at their
leisure.
In the northe
rn Amazon, you will find items such as hand-painted
textiles and pottery. You will also find items from the jungle such
as alligator skins and turtle shells, but be warned that purchasing
is illegal despite how good the price you receive.
Although many shops abound, the best shopping is found on the street. You can easily bargain for prices most of them come with discount vouchersâit is even expected.
|
Peru Restaurants
We’ve provided listings for some of the top
restaurants in Peru including Cusco, Lima, Miraflores,
Puno, Arequipa, and more. You’ll find lavish gourmet restaurants,
affordable restaurants serving up good food, and everything in between.
Sample traditional Peruvian cuisine or other specialty cuisines
that are sure to make your taste buds happy.
Read reviews entered by other patrons and be sure to return to
our site to submit your own restaurant review.
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Peru Travel Guides
Frommer's Peru
Lonely Planet Peru
Let's Go Peru
Fodors Peru
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